FAA Commercial Pilot Training

Why earn a Commercial pilot certificate?

Obtaining a Commercial pilot certificate is a important step for those looking to make aviation a career, as it allows to you to fly for hire. You can begin building time and get paid to fly, rather than the other way around. Also, you will be eligible to take the Certified Flight Instruction course or the Commercial Multi-Engine Land class rating to your existing certificate.

The Commercial training program at Niedra Aviation will greatly improve your skill and increase your knowledge as a pilot, and you will learn to fly faster and more complex aircraft, with retractable gear and movable propeller blades.

What are the requirements for a Commercial pilot certificate?

14 CFR 61 requires pilot to have at least 250 hours of total time in airplanes, 100 hours of Pilot-In Command time, 50 hours of cross country flight time, 20 hours of dual training for the Commercial certificate, 10 hours of instrument training, 10 hours in complex airplanes, among others. There is also a written exam, and an end-of-course practical test, with a oral and flight exam before receiving your certificate.

How much does it cost? How long does it take?

This depends on the number of hours necessary to achieve the minimum for the certificate and whether or not the student already has an Instrument rating. Much of the time can be completed flying solo cross-countries before finishing up the time with a Certified Flight Instructor. Depending on your schedule and availability, you can finish the course anywhere from a few months to a couple years. Additionally, you will not only fly the Cessna 172 for the cross countries, but also the Cessna 172RG for the commercial maneuvers, which has a higher hourly rental rate.

What does Commercial training consist of?

The flight portion is primarily focused on VFR cross-country and night operations, as well as complex aircraft operation and commercial maneuvers. Some instrument proficiency will be achieved through instrument approaches and IFR cross-countries.

The ground portion of the course consists of VFR cross-country planning and navigation, rules and regulations related to commercial pilot operations, operation and limitations of advanced aircraft systems, and applicable instrument training.